4 Face Gang Charges In Connection To Lumpkin County Death: GBI

CUMMING, GA — Four people have are now facing potential gang charges in connection with the death of a Lumpkin County woman whose body was found in Forsyth County in September, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation said.

On Dec. 18, the murder case of Hannah Bender, 21, was presented to a Dawson County Grand Jury. As a result of the presentation, the grand jury returned a true bill indictment against Austin Stryker, 22 of Dawsonville; Isaac Huff, 18, of Dawsonville; Dylan Reid, 19, of Dawsonville; and Jerry Harper, 78, of Cumming, for their involvement in the murder.

Stryker was indicted for malice murder, felony murder, aggravated assault, aggravated battery, violation of the street gang terrorism and prevention act, possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony, possession of a knife during the commission of a felony, concealing the death of another and tampering with evidence.

Huff was indicted for felony murder, aggravated assault, aggravated battery, concealing the death of another and violation of the street gang terrorism and prevention act.

Reid was indicted for felony murder, aggravated assault, aggravated battery, concealing the death of another, tampering with evidence, and violation of the street gang terrorism and prevention act.

Harper was indicted for violation of the street gang terrorism and prevention act, hindering the apprehension or punishment of a criminal and theft by receiving stolen property. Harper has been charged in Forsyth County for concealing the death of another and tampering with evidence.

Huff, Reid and Harper are currently in custody in the Dawson County Detention Center and Stryker is in custody in the Lumpkin County Detention Center. This case is being prosecuted by the Northeastern Judicial Circuit District Attorney’s Office.

The four arrested in connection of the body found of a missing 21-year-old from Lumpkin County Sept. 25 in Forsyth County.

The Forsyth County Sheriff's Office confirmed that a body was found in Cumming in September. Hannah Bender, 21, was found buried in a shallow grave off Parks Road near Ga. 306, the AJC reported. Someone tipped off officials of the location.

The Lumpkin County Sheriffs Office began conducting an investigation when a missing person report was filed by the mother of Hannah Bender. Her mother said the last time she spoke with Hannah was Sept. 14 over text message, and reported her daughter missing five days later, the AJC reported. Shortly after receiving the phone call about a missing person, bloody clothing was located.